Date: Oct 23, 2011 Source: (
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Nanowerk News) Correlated Magnetics Research LLC (CMR) announces its selection for research and development of interface technologies required for a next-generation replacement of the Hubble Space Telescope. CMR's proprietary coded magnet technology will align the pieces of a multi-segment mirror system that can more easily survive launch conditions and achieve exceedingly precise performance after being re-assembled in space.
CMR joins the team led by Marshall Space Flight Center that includes Goddard Space Flight Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Space Telescope Science Institute, ITT Geospatial Systems, Digital Fusion, Jacobs Engineering, Cornell University, the University of Arizona and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
The effort is sponsored by NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) research solicitation and is aimed at technology developments for large space telescopes capable of observing objects in the ultraviolet, optical and infrared (UVOIR) parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Dr. Philip Stahl is Marshall's principal investigator for the project and has been working with large, segmented-mirror telescopes for most of his career. "One might say that the Nobel Prize is just beyond the resolution of the next telescope," Stahl said, "and these technologies are necessary if we are to make the next leap forward in astrophysics."
CMR's magnet technology promises to enable precision-alignment on-orbit assembly of mirror segments at the single-digit nanometer scale. Such precision is required to empower future space telescopes to answer questions regarding the formation history of galaxies, the kinematic properties of dark matter and the evolution of outer solar system planets.
Applications for correlated magnetics technology span a wide range of product and process categories, from biomedical applications - orthopedic solutions for knees, spines and other joints, to aerospace applications with motion and vibration damping systems that protect avionics. Correlated magnetics can improve product performance, reduce costs, and empower new-product innovation in consumer electronics, automotive, construction, energy, robotics, manufacturing processes and more.
